CLEVELAND Traficant to be sentenced July 30 in federal court

CLEVELAND -- The sentencing of U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. has been reset to July 30.
In an order filed Thursday, U.S. District Judge Lesley Brooks Wells said the congressman must let her know, in writing, by Thursday whether he wishes Cleveland attorney Richard E. Hackerd to represent him at sentencing, which had been set for June 27.
Hackerd has recently filed papers on behalf of Traficant, of Poland, D-17th, but the congressman has not formally acknowledged the representation. If Hackerd represents Traficant at sentencing, the congressman will be limited in what he can say because the judge will not allow "hybrid" representation.
He was his own lawyer at trial and was found guilty of racketeering, bribery and tax charges. The government proved that he accepted labor and materials for his horse farm in Greenford and also accepted cash and gifts in return for favors.
Judge Wells has concluded that he must forfeit $96,000 as part of the jury's findings of guilt. As a congressman, he earns about $150,000 each year.